Archived Services

Jean Gormley
05-15-2024

Jean Gormley, age 88, passed away May 15, 2024 at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD. In lieu of a funeral, per Jeanie's wishes, there will be an open house celebration of life with family present on Tuesday, May 21 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home in Sioux Falls, SD. Burial will be held at the Bohemian National Cemetery in Highmore, SD on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 1pm. 

Jeanie was born to Ernest and Mildred (Shoemaker) Palon in Faulkton, SD on October 16, 1935. Her family later moved to Highmore, SD where she graduated high school in 1954. She then met her husband Paul and were married November 17, 1955. 

Paul was in the Army and was stationed in Washington state as well as North Dakota. They moved to Sioux Falls in 1960, where they lived on the east side of town. Jeanie was a housewife and mother, and then later managed Hallmark stores for most of her career. She retired from American Greetings at the age of 82. 

Jeanie loved to cook and bake. She enjoyed hosting a variety of gatherings, especially to celebrate holidays and her children's birthdays, cooking all of their favorite foods and treats. Summers from 1972 - 1992 were enjoyed at the family house at Lake Madison. Jeanie loved to travel and went on many family vacations, as well as many trips with her high school friends. She also loved attending the numerous activities her grandchildren were involved in. She was an active member of St. Lambert Catholic church of Sioux Falls. Jeanie played bridge regularly, and continued to do so until she passed. 

Grateful for having shared her life are: son, Mike (Nalin) Gormley, Gault, CA; son, Kevin (Jill) Gormley, Sioux Falls, SD; daughter, Julie (Larry) Hoekman, Tulare, SD; daughter, Rhonda Erie, Sioux Falls, SD, and sister, Carolyn Beranek of Miller, SD; thirteen grandchildren: Travis (Jill) Gormley, Brent Gormley, Zach Gormley, Lance Gormley, Ryan (Krislin) Trottman, Sean (Tiffany) Trottman, Brooke (Clark) Rozeboom, Brianna Trottman, Jamie (Lindy) Hill, Jess (Matt) Adamski, Jacob (Sam) Flanigan, Jared Flanigan, and Christina Jacobson; sixteen great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. Jeanie was preceded in death by her husband Paul, daughter Valerie, infant son, parents Ernest and Mildred Palon, sister Geraldine (Sissy) Houdek, brother James Palon and two infant brothers Virgil and John. The family would like to extend a personal thank you to the caring staff of the Dougherty House.